Mary must deal with the political repercussions of a potential marriage to Lord Darnley and King Charles disappears, leaving Catherine to pick up the pieces. Elizabeth comes to Gideon's aid, while Claude receives an interesting proposition.

A tragedy occurs, pushing Mary and Darnley apart as their wedding looms. Meanwhile, Mary is forced to enlist help from Catherine; and a traitor to Spain petitions Elizabeth to support an expedition to the New World.